HIGH SCHOOL IMPROV

Highlights:

· “Yes, and” is the first rule of improv. Since the scene is unfolding with every spoken word, “yes, and” helps ensure the scene is moving forward. Saying “no” or not accepting a suggestion is the quickest way to kill a scene (in school, or in business, it is a quick way to stop the flow of creativity).

· Stating the obvious is also important because 100% of the context is created in the moment. There’s no background provided, zero props, and often no established relationship. If a person doesn’t communicate an idea clearly, the audience and fellow performers are lost.

· Be in the moment. If you’re thinking of what you want to say, then you’re missing what’s being said!

· There is no ME in Improv. Each improvisor should focus on making their scene partner look good. When a person is more focused on self vs the team - the audience feels it and the scene suffers.

Goals:

Overall, each student will know the basics of improv. They will be familiar with and able to lead their favorite improv games with friends and family. Each student should be able to connect the dots and understand how the skills used in improv can positively impact their life. Eventually the students will be providing feedback to one another after scene completion. This allows students to understand how to graciously accept feedback and to provide feedback in a humble manner.

Some goals will vary by student. For the student who might dread taking this class because they are super shy, I hope they walk away feeling more empowered to speak (especially in situations they previously wouldn’t have). For the student who loves to talk, may they walk away understanding the value of listening with purpose and hoping they will create opportunities to do just that. For the student who dreads this class because they’re afraid they’ll look silly, or make a mistake, may they walk away knowing the lessons we learn from our mistakes often make us stronger and smarter.

CORPORATE & ADULT IMPROV

Improvisation workshops bring people together in a new and fun way. It allows us to see our similarities versus our differences. It is a spontaneous performance where the plot, characters, and dialogue of a game, story, or scene are made up in the moment with no preparation and zero script. This is not stand-up comedy, so the goal is not to be funny (though that often happens organically), the goal is to be one hundred percent present in the moment and just go for it.

Improv is being taught in boardrooms and classrooms across the globe. It is a fun way to improve skills that are used in everyday life. Be a better listener – be less anxious in groups – become a true team player – be more confident – and stop over analyzing – all while having a complete blast! I help people connect the skills used in improv to their everyday world. While the goal is to stretch everyone outside of their comfort zone, an environment full of mutual respect and encouragement is a must.

Each workshop consists of a variety of improv games and acting out scenes.. No two workshops are the same because they are tailored to meet your specific needs. The games selected, and the scenes played out, will be hand selected to ensure they focus on the goals specified.